Terence Quick: "As of now, each year and for 12 months, 500 young Greeks will be able to experience holidays in Australia with the right to legal employment, in a country with one of the most dynamic Greek Diasporas."

The long-awaited Work and Holiday Visa legislation for Australian and Greek citizens finally saw the bill published in the Greek Official Government Gazette (Φ.Ε.Κ.) this week making it official.

Hopeful applicants from 18 to 31 years of age who had been waiting for both the Greek and Australian governments to complete “necessary domestic processes”.

As of Wednesday 500 applicants a year coming from Greece will be able to travel, reside and legally work in Australia for up to 12 months under the ΦΕΚ B’ 4488/2017 specifications as referred to in the Greek Official Government Gazette.

The agreement is an outcome of a Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) initiative with talks spanning over six years.

Following Greek Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Terence Quick’s visit to Melbourne the issue was reopened with the promise to accelerate procedures.

“Another commitment to the Greek diaspora in Australia and the Australian government has been fulfilled, for an issue presented to me by Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop during our meeting in Canberra,” Mr Quick stated adding that this has been a loose end since 2014.

“The passing of the legislation highlights the endeavor and persistence of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM). The legislation was an initiative of Costas Markos and involved the speedy resolution of them Minister Bowen. Australia and Greece share a rich history. The agreement adds to the ties that bind the two countries,” President of the GCM Mr .Bill Papastergiadis told Neos Kosmos in a previous interview.